We know many people are struggling with the rise in energy prices so East Lothian Council has produced a new leaflet listing the ways the council and various other organisations can support anyone struggling with their bills.
The leaflet ‘Managing Energy Bills and Heating Your Home’ applies to everyone, whether they’re a homeowner, landlord, private tenant or living in rented social housing (council or housing association properties).
It is available to view on the council website and paper copies can be collected from council offices or libraries.
The council website also has lots of advice on general financial support if you’re struggling to manage your bills.
Lisa Bygate, Affordable Warmth Services Team Manager at Changeworks, said: “Changeworks has seen increasing demand for support over the last 12 months, as people find themselves struggling with high bills and fuel debt. We have been delivering the East Lothian Energy Advice Service on behalf of East Lothian Council for a number of years, and our expert advisors are here to help and are already working hard to help East Lothian residents save money and reduce the impacts of rising fuel costs.
“Last year the service supported over 200 households in East Lothian and helped them achieve financial savings of almost £45,000 – part of the £2.2 million savings we helped households achieve across Scotland. We are delighted to be working in partnership with East Lothian Council and encourage the people of East Lothian to get in touch for further support. You can refer yourself or someone you support at https://www.changeworks.org.uk/referral or you can call us free on 0800 870 8800 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.”
East Lothian Council’s Head of Housing, Wendy McGuire, said: “We are all aware of the cost of living increases, with inflation at its highest level in three decades, fuel prices spiralling, retail prices increasing and, more recently, the announcement of the energy price hikes affecting so many households. We are encouraging anyone struggling with energy bills not to delay getting help and not to let debt build up. Have a look at our leaflet and the other information on our website and see what support may be available to you. There’s also advice for landlords to help them provide support to their tenants to live in an energy-efficient, warm home.”